Tips On How To Choose An Order Fulfillment Warehouse

Order fulfillment is the last, but the most important step of order processing. In fact, it is the only step where you get in touch with your customer if you are running an online business. It is needless to say that order fulfillment has to be smooth, flawless and timely. Since it is a costly affair to have a warehouse to store the products, many companies outsource the work.

Whether you do it in-house or hire a service provider, it is very important to look into the warehousing facility keenly. For example, the store has to be conveniently located and should offer better connectivity from anywhere in the country (or the geographical area you serve). When you hire a business partner who will manage warehousing, packaging, order shipment, labeling, and allied services, you get relieved from the hassles of operations management.

The tips given below will help in choosing the best order fulfillment warehousing facility.

• Location: As mentioned earlier, you should choose the warehouse store which is located in a central place with good connectivity to all important business hubs in the country. Not only that, but it should be near to the geographical area that you serve so that you can fulfill the orders quickly.
• Size: Size of the warehouse you opt for has to be optimal; neither too small nor too big! Sometimes, you get a shared warehouse if you need small space. It should not be a matter of concern if there is a reserved bay for your business. Rather, it is a cost-saving proposition due to the resource-sharing.
• Infrastructure: If you get a warehouse with new-age infrastructure facilities, then it is the best thing. Advanced material tracking systems, bar-coding, RFID tag, etc. make a warehouse ideal for your business.
• Safety:  Modern warehousing facilities are equipped with excellent safety and security mechanism. The natural calamities are unavoidable, but you can minimize their impact by installing new-age safety mechanisms and covering the warehouse under insurance.
• Security: Two types of securities are important; physical security and data security. The warehouse you are hiring should offer security from theft and burglary. Also, the data should be secured from unauthorized access.
• Cost: Yes, cost should not be an inhibiting factor in choosing the well-equipped warehouse. You need to negotiate with the service provider to decide the best price. In the age of competition, you should get the best deal.

What are the traits of a good warehousing service provider?

After getting the tips for picking up a great warehouse, now it is the time to understand the qualities of the service provider.

Read the track record first. How many clients is the company supporting as of now? What is the general opinion about it? What is the customer rating? What is their pick-error rate? Does the company follow a standard operating procedure? Is it ISO certified or equivalent? Do the existing clients recommend it? After a thorough analysis, you can pick the right order fulfillment center .